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Your grandparents may claim that everything was awesome in the 50’s. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel begs to differ.

Midge Maisel is a doting housewife who supports her husband’s comedy career. She measures her thighs, makes pot roast, and gets up early so she’ll look perfect once Mr. Maisel wakes up. These subtle jabs at a toxic culture never miss their mark. Once Midge strikes out on her own as a comic, the show goes full throttle.

Mrs. Maisel tacks issues like friendship, the work force, and anti-Semitism. The bright production and jazzy soundtrack blend well with the frank humor. Even housewives can curse like sailors; this angle sells The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Pretty on the outside and 100% sly wit on the inside like its main character, played by Rachel Brosnahan. Alex Borstein is also a standout player as Susie Myerson, Midge’s sarcastic manager.

“Midge didn’t come alive for me until I put on her clothes, a corset[…] and heels. It forced me to carry myself differently,” said Brosnahan in an interview with the LA Times. She won a Golden Globe for Best Actress, carrying the show with her bubbly yet raw delivery.

Even though the creators of Gilmore Girls helmed the series, it hasn’t reached the teen demographic. Two out of forty students who took a survey about the show said they hadn’t seen it. That’s a startling contrast to the heaps of buzz and critical acclaim it has received.

“It gave viewers a good laugh and provided a story about working towards a dream,” said Sija Hendrick, Bob Jones freshman. “It was hilarious and beautiful.”

Tons of effort went into recreating the period. Every scene is authentic without seeming gimmicky. Mrs. Maisel herself was based off of Joan Rivers, who paved the way for other female comedians. Even today, women aren’t as celebrated as men in the comedy business.

It’s a niche show, sure, but it’s one that chooses to tell the story of the underdog. If you like fresh takes on tired genres, you may get swept into the enchanting world of Midge Maisel.